[Henry B]

I recently purchased an '1897 pattern Infantry Officers sword', the sword in question does not have a sword knot fitted, is there a correct method of fitting and if so how? Any help would be great.

[Jonathan Hopkins]

Are you looking for directions, or examples of how sword knots look when attached to British military swords? Here are two examples of the latter: http://www.britishmilitaryswords.co.uk/bigswo...htext=0290 , http://www.michaeldlong.com/Ko-Bespoke/stockd.../36/103593 .

The knot is generally looped through the sword knot slot on the knuckle guard and is then wrapped around the guard. If you need to find sword knots try www.michaeldlong.com or www.militaryheritage.com

[Jonathan Hopkins]

Also, the correct sword knot for your 1897 is the brown leather strap/tassel/acorn which was introduced in 1899 for universal use.

Added: Here are a few more examples: http://www.oldswords.com/ViewItem.asp?Item=2434 , http://www.oldswords.com/ViewItem.asp?Item=3081 , http://www.oldswords.com/ViewItem.asp?Item=3597 .

[Steven H]

If I may threadjack a little . . .

What is the sword knot. I assume it's the little dangly bit by the pommel. But why?

Thanks

[Jonathan Hopkins]

It was initially worn around the wrist to retain the sword if it was dropped. The sword knot gradually became more of a decorative accessory (However, officer's versions were often both functional and decorative. Even fancy sword knots od later swords, if unwrapped from the knuckle guard, could serve their original purpose).

[GG Osborne]

Henry.....if you are looking for an excellent reproduction of the appropriate sword knot for your sword, follow this link. http://www.militaryheritage.com/knot.htm. The Discriminating General site has them all. Good luck....George[url][/url]

[Henry B]

Brilliant, thanks everyone!

[Peter McDonough]

See http://www.defence.gov.au/Army/ASOD/documents/ASODP03/02.pdf for the correct method of tying the knot